Saturday 30 April 2011

Tutorial - How to make Herbal Remedies

How to Make Herbal Oil
To make a herbal oil, harvest the fresh plant material. Chop coarsely and lightly stuff in a jar until full.
Dried herbs can also be used if fresh is not available.

Cover with extra virgin olive oil ( organic if possible). Using a chopstick, poke the herb/oil mixture to get rid of any air bubbles and to push all the herb down so it is completely covered by the oil. It is important that none of the herb is exposed to the air as it can rot and grow mold.

Cover the jar top with a piece of paper towel and using a sealing ring or an elastic band to hold the paper towel on. Every day for a week or so, uncover the jar and stir and poke down the herb.

Leave to soak in the oil for another five weeks, keeping it out of direct sunlight.

After the six weeks of soaking , strain the herb through cheesecloth to decant the oil and store in a sealed jar. If the smell of the olive oil is too strong for you, you can store the oil with paper towel as a lid until the smell dissipates, then cover it with a lid.

How to Make a Herbal Salve
It is very easy to make your own salves. Start with 8 ounces of an herbal oil and place in a non-metal pan. I use a glass double boiler. Add about 1/4 cup of beeswax. Heat over a very low heat until the beeswax is melted. ( do not boil!! Use a very low heat) To check the firmness of your salve, place a few drops on a plate and place in the freezer. After a minute or two, check the consistency. If it is too soft, add more beeswax; if too hard, add more oil. When you have achieved the desired consistency, pour into clean, glass jars and cool completely. Stored in a cool, dark place, your salves should keep for a couple of years but is best replaced the following year with a fresh batch from your new crop.
How to make a Poultice
Harvest the fresh herb you will be using and chop coarsely. Fill a blender 3/4's full and cover the plant material with water. Blend until it's completely mushy. Put the mixture into a bowl and add flour a handful at a time until the mixture has thickened enough to stay in place when put on the material.

Using an old sheet or cloth, put about one cup of the mixture into the middle of a piece of sheet. Fold over the sides, then fold over the ends to completely contain the poultice. Pat down until the poultice starts to seep through the material, then place on the body part needing attention.

You can make more poultices with the leftovers and place them in a sealed baggy with wax paper between each one and place them in the freezer for future use. You can use them cold for burns etc. or add a bit of water to one on a plate and reheat in the microwave.

How to Make Herbal Tinctures
You should plan to start your tinctures on the day of the new moon and let them sit at least 2 weeks until the full moon - this adds a natural drawing power.

THE ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:
Dried or fresh herbs in powdered or finely chopped form.
80 -100 proof vodka or rum (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol).
Wide-mouthed glass jars with lids (mason jar or equivalent).
Unbleached cheesecloth or muslin.
Labels and markers.

Method
Pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid.

Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag.

Shake the jar every day.

When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.

Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.

ADDITIONAL TIPS ON TINCTURES
200 grams dried or 300 grams of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed.

Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs.

Vinegar or Kosher glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures.

Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water. Typically tinctures are taken by the drop (10-20 drops) with an eyedropper and placed under the tongue. Hold the liquid under your tongue for as long as is comfortable, a minute or two is good, then swallow. The medicinal properties of the herb are easily absorbed into the bloodstream sublingually.
Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.

A wine press or juicer may be used to extract liquid from the herbs.

Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula.

Experiment and have fun!

Book Resources:

The Herbal Home Remedy Book: Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups (Herbal Body)
The Practical Handbook of Plant Alchemy: An Herbalist's Guide to Preparing Medicinal Essences, Tinctures, and Elixirs

May good health bless you and your family,

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Friday 29 April 2011

Animal Guides


Symbolic of the four sacred directions, four seasons, and the four colors of man, there are four basic types of animal guides.
Whether an animal spirit comes by dreams, signs and symbolic events, or actual events it is important to first determine if the guide is a Messenger Guide (Totem), Shadow Guide, Journey Guide or Life Guide.
The meaning and lessons an animal guide brings will differ according to the type of guide it may be. Learning to differentiate between the four types of totems is critical to knowing how to react and the actions you will take when an animal totem makes itself known to you. All guides are powerful.

A Messenger Guide quickly comes into your life and then leaves once a message is understood. The time a Message Guide stays in your psychic is relative to you seeing and accepting the message. The message itself can be spiritual in nature, or it can be a warning. The message may deal with a seemingly mundane aspect of your life or it may be a wake-up call for some important action you must make. Sometimes the animal messenger will come during an unusual event and make a powerful statement and others come on the wind as a whisper. A messenger guide can cause you delays or some unforeseen help in your life. They can be both negative and positive in nature for they are totally impartial.

A Shadow Animal Guide is one that invades you with fear. Its purpose it to teach a lesson you have not learned from repeated mistakes because of anger, avarice, greed, insecurity, or other negative thoughts. A Shadow Guide will return again and again bearing strong feelings of fear until its message is acted upon or a change in lifestyle or actions are incorporated into your life. The Shadow Guide is powerful. It can help you to overcome fear by bringing truth and turning fear into a helper animal guide or spirit animal guide. However, if ignored the Shadow Guide can become dangerous and its powers will have a negative affect on your life. The Shadow Guide lives in the spirit world and usually arrives during a time of testing.

A Journey Animal Guide appears at the fork in the road of your life. When a decision is made to follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that may take months or years to complete. It can be a friendly traveling companion if the path is right. If you become lost along the way, the Journey Guide is there help lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle in your life has changed. appears at the fork in the road of your life. When a decision is made to follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that may take months or years to complete. It can be a friendly traveling companion if the path is right. If you become lost along the way, the Journey Guide is there help lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle in your life has changed.

A Life Animal Guide is also called a Spirit Guide as it remains a part of you throughout life and reflects your inner-spiritual self. You may have more than one Life Guide and new ones may come during an expected time. Usually a Life Guide does not move away or disappear but remains an integral part of your life, however, there are instances when a particular Life Guide is no longer needed and is replaced with a new one. Its powers are always there for you and serve as a constant reminder of your inner powers and oneness with nature. If for example your Life Guide is Bear, you should be a person who is a solitary dweller, a seeker of knowledge and well grounded. A Life Guide will often call upon other animal guides found within its domain to assist in giving you special messages from time to time.

After you understand what type of animal guide has come into your life, it is necessary to educate yourself fully as to the nature of the animal. Learn about its habitat, life cycles, what it eats, physical characteristics, special skills and traits, social and mating habits. Go to places where your animal guide can be found in real life. Study it in nature. Gaining insight into the nature of your animal guide will help you to better understand its messages. Meditate on this knowledge and discover its power and medicine.

After you learn various ways to work with the medicine of you animal spirit guide, the medicine becomes a gateway to connecting with other spirit guides found within its domain. Your animal spirit guide (or those spirits who choose to reveal themselves in the form of an animal) will teach you how to align with other spirit guides and beings.

Remember: The spirit guide chooses the person. The person does not choose the spirit guide. A person cannot simply select an animal and begin communication – the results of which are often frustrating and unsuccessful. A spirit guide must be harmonious with the person.

Communication with your spirit guide requires reverent respect and knowledge of the ways of the animal guide. You must find ways to honor your spirit guide. The more importance you give to the spirit guide the more they respond to you. Most spirit guides do not immediately acknowledge themselves to the person as they are leery of your intention and knowledge. A spirit guide is sensitive to moods, current events, and a persons path in life. They must first trust you and learn your needs and wants. You must learn to trust them and understand their needs and wants. It takes time, patience and practice.

Sit down in a quiet place alone. Make certain there will be no distractions or interruptions. Draw a circle around you and bless the circle with sage, cedar, sweet grass, tobacco or some other sacred medicine. Begin your journey into the spirit world with prayer and continue with deep meditation.

Get comfortable. Take a deep breath. Inhale, exhale deeply several time. Release your ego, desires and expectations of what may follow. Chase away all shadows of fear and negativity. Begin to dream of some idyllic place like a forest trail, bubbling mountain stream, or flower covered glen. Move about in this world seeing, smelling and feeling everything. After awhile, you will hear something and you will see a creature slowly coming to you.

The creature is friendly and invites your touch. You embrace. This is your animal spirit guide. Spend time talking with your animal guide now.

Be open to any and all types of messages. Do not get trapped by wishing for a certain messages. Clear your mind completely. Open your heart to its love and lessons. When your time is finished, thank all the beings in this special place and your animal guide who has chosen to teach you. Slowly return by the way you came into full consciousness. Open your eyes.

  • Honor your spirit animal guide
    Wear jewelry and clothing illustrating your totem;
    Decorate your space with pictures and other memorabilia;
    Educate yourself on its life and habits;
    Visit the habitat of your spirit guide;
    Help protect its home, contribute time and resources.
  • Pay attention to the messages of your animal guide
  • Spend time in meditation with your friend and guide;
  • Give thanks to the Creator and your guide for its assistance;
    Understand the message can be negative or positive in nature;
    Listen. Even when the message seems negative;
  • Study the element (water, fire, air, earth) most closely associated with your spirit guide

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Thursday 28 April 2011

Crystal Healing


by Certified Crystal Healer Ashley Dalke

Crystal healing is a form of vibrational medicine in which subtle energy given off by a crystal is used to treat the body, the mind, and the spirit. Since crystals emit beneficial energetic vibrations, introducing them into one's energy field can actually help to repair energetic imbalances within the ethereal body. For this reason, crystal healing can be performed on anything that possesses an energy field, be it a person, a plant or animal, or the environment.

Although crystals have been used to treat the body, mind, and spirit, crystal healing is not meant to replace conventional medicine. Instead, it should be used along with allopathic treatments to compliment and enhance them. The most important thing to keep in mind when beginning to use crystals for healing purposes is that a crystal's power is relatively inert until one intentionally directs its energy. It is not the crystal that possesses healing energy; it is one's intent to heal, by way of the crystal, which manifests results.



The art of crystal healing has been present in many eras and cultures, some dating back for thousands of years. It was commonplace in ancient Hebrew and Mayan societies as well as in the Native American, Indian, and Tibetan cultures. Although not yet fully accepted by Western medicine, its methods are still often used and prescribed in many other parts of the world. Since each type of crystal carries with it a unique energetic vibration, certain types of crystals can be utilized in the treatment of specific physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.



A crystal is a regularly-repeating atomic structure that is formed from building-block-like units of matter. It is also a tool one may use for healing the mind, body, and spirit. Crystals form inside of the earth through heat and pressure which cause its atoms and molecules to follow a blueprint (crystalline encoding). These molecules take on the most stable form possible by repeating until the crystal is fully formed.



The uses of crystals are incredibly varied. Crystals can be used for many types of divination (including ball & bowl scrying and pendulum dowsing). These powerful tools can also be successfully utilized in healing and cleansing of the mind, body, and spirit (of plants, animals, and humans alike). They are terrific aids in healing work done to clear and balance the chakras and subtle bodies. They are also beneficial for the development of the intuition and psychic abilities, astral travel, etc. Crystals also provide protection from all types of negative energies including psychic attack. Through people, crystals are able to promote personal and planetary ascension to raise the universal consciousness. They are some of the most inspiring tools of light known to man.



Crystals can be chosen in two different ways. Sometimes, one may have a specific reason for choosing a stone, in which case he or she can choose the stone based on its known properties. To use this method of selection, one should research the physical or emotional problem he or she is experiencing and then choose a corresponding stone. One may also, however, intuitively choose stones by selecting one or a few out of a bag at random (or by laying them out and selecting whichever he or she is most drawn to). Then, one should attempt to connect with the stone and feel its energy (to discover the primary uses of the stone. If one would like to check his or her intuitive insights against information included in publications of the stone's known properties, he or she can read about that stone's associated characteristics (which are typically useful for his or her situation) in books or on the Internet.



AGATE, BLUE LACE: Use at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) for encouraging peace and calming, to promote speaking one's truth, in the garden to enhance crop production and for general plant health, to encourage joy, to become grounded, to stay centered and balanced in mind, body, and spirit, to stimulate will power, to heal problems associated with the nervous system or circulation, & to block out negative energies associated with geopathic stress.



AMAZONITE: (Also known as Amazon Stone) Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) or at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) for blocking electromagnetic energy, for balancing the mind, body, and spirit, for soothing and comfort after trauma, to manifest the love of the universe, to overcome fears, to stimulate positive communication, to benefit bone health, and to relax muscles.



AMETHYST: Use at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for protection against negative energies, blocking geopathic stresses, to relieve insomnia, to enhance memory, to increase motivation, to promote dreams and their interpretation, for emotional balance, to become open to one's intuition and psychic abilities, to strengthen the metabolism and immune system, to enhance meditation, to ease headaches, and to heal and cleanse the mind, body, and spirit.



AMETRINE: This stone is a combination of Amethyst and Citrine found in the same stone due to uneven heating during the crystal's formation. Therefore, it embodies the properties of both stones. AMETHYST: Use at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for protection against negative energies, blocking geopathic stresses, to relieve insomnia, to enhance memory, to increase motivation, to promote dreams and their interpretation, for emotional balance, to become open to one's intuition and psychic abilities, to strengthen the metabolism and immune system, to enhance meditation, to ease headaches, & to heal and cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. CITRINE: Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for increasing creativity, for protection from negative energies, to activate the intuition, to manifest abundance, wealth, and prosperity, to encourage sharing, to promote joy, to increase self-esteem, to encourage a positive attitude, to enhance concentration, to overcome one's fears, to increase ease of communication, to balance the emotions, to diminish symptoms from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to help eye problems, to help with blood circulation, to relieve menstrual or digestive problems, and to balance the thyroid.



ANGELITE: Use at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) for manifesting peace and good will toward all beings, for communication with the Angelic realm, to stimulate telepathy, for grounding during meditation, to induce astral travel, and shamanic journeying, to increase awareness, for protection from negative energies, to aid in voicing one's inner truth, to bring compassion to one's life both toward and from other beings, to improve one's understanding and comprehension of astrology, for acceptance of one's life on the earth plane, to become inspired in spiritual matters, to initiate the channeling state, to balance the thyroid gland, to control body weight, and to remove the heat from sunburned skin.



AVENTURINE, GREEN: (Also known as Green Quartz) Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for healing the physical body, to increase wealth and prosperity, to protect gardens and homes from electromagnetic pollution, to turn negative energy into positive energy, to encourage compassion, to stimulate will power and confidence, for use during past life regressions and ascensions, for balance of the mind, body, and soul, to stimulate creativity in artistic endeavors, to promote peace and calming, for protection, to aid in problems related to the nervous system, to help prevent heart-related conditions such as heart attack, to relieve symptoms of allergies, to remove headache and migraine pain, and to diminish acne and other skin problems.



BISMUTH: Use at any chakra. Bismuth is a semi-metal. In nature, it is silverish and is not found in its crystallized form. Bismuth does not crystallize naturally, because there is usually not enough space for its crystals to form properly. With a little help from humans, it is melted and recrystallized into a beautiful iridescent rainbow form. Bismuth is excellent for improving concentration and visualization, especially for use during Shamanic journeying. It aids in the shape-shifting practices of the brujo/bruja. It has also been known for its ability to lift one's awareness to the celestial realm while maintaining grounding. Bismuth is a stone of transformation, moving things from chaos to order. In addition, Bismuth has been known to promote cooperation in group situations and also in relationships.



BLOODSTONE: (Also known as Heliotrope) Use at the 1st Chakra (Root/Base Chakra) or at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for cleansing the blood, for general healing of the physical body, to transform negative energy into positive energy, to aid in receiving guidance from the inner self, for grounding, for protection, to encourage dreaming, to increase vitality, to promote feelings of courage and confidence, to aid in trusting one's intuition and acting upon it, to stimulate the immune system, to detoxify the physical body, and to aid in the proper blood circulation.



CALCITE, CLEAR: (Also known as Optical Calcite, White Calcite, and Iceland Spar) Use at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for intensifying visual imagery during meditation, astral travel, dreaming, and shamanic journeying, to heal the eyes, to reveal the veiled meaning in a situation, to relieve headache tension, to cleanse the aura, to cleanse oneself and one's environment of negative energies, to increase vitality, to quicken one's spiritual development, to increase awareness, to facilitate intuitive visions and psychic powers, to aid in channeling, to encourage motivation and dispel laziness, to stimulate the memory, to heal damaged tissues in the body, to boost the immune system, and to remove warts and other skin blemishes such as acne. PLEASE NOTE: This stone is only known as Optical Calcite or Iceland Spar when it is held up to images and creates a double-refracted image.



CALCITE, ORANGE: Use at the 2nd Chakra (Sacral Chakra/Spleenic Chakra) to cleanse the aura, to boost one's energy, to cleanse and detoxify the physical body, to banish depression, to heal the reproductive system, to cleanse oneself and one's environment of negative energies, to increase vitality, to quicken one's spiritual development, to increase awareness, to facilitate intuitive visions and psychic powers, to aid in channeling, to encourage motivation and dispel laziness, to stimulate the memory, to heal damaged tissues in the body, to boost the immune system, and to remove warts & other skin blemishes such as acne.



CARNELIAN: (Also known as Carnelian Agate) Use at the 1st Chakra (Base Chakra/Root Chakra), 2nd Chakra (Sacral Chakra/Spleenic Chakra), or 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for grounding, to increase motivation, to increase vitality, to cleanse other stones, for protection of those who are crossing over, to stimulate success in business endeavors, to aid in overcoming negative thought patterns, to help improve concentration, for peace and calming, to banish negativity, to help heal lower back problems and remove pain, to quicken the healing of bones, and to increase blood circulation.



CHALCEDONY, BLUE: Use at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) for enhancing group cooperation, to aid in telepathy, to transform negative energy into positive energy, to bring balance to the mind, body, and spirit, to enhance generosity by oneself or by others, to bring joy to any situation, to increase self confidence, to enhance enthusiasm, to stifle bad dreams, to cleanse wounds, to dispel dementia, and to regulate circulation.



CHRYSOPRASE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for encouraging hopeful attitudes, to assist in receiving truthfulness, to fuel creativity in artistic endeavors, to energize the physical body, to encourage one to become more outgoing and to take risks, to bring virtue into practice in daily life, to dispel judgmental attitudes from the self and from others, to aid in forgiveness and compassion, to help one to communicate in a positive and encouraging matter and to enable one to give constructive criticism, to prevent bad dreams and to encourage restful sleep, to encourage self reliance, to relieve symptoms of gout, to heal the eyes, to absorb and assimilate Vitamin C, and to relieve stress-related stomach discomfort.



CITRINE: Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for increasing creativity, for protection from negative energies, to activate the intuition, to manifest abundance, wealth, and prosperity, to encourage sharing, to promote joy, to increase self-esteem, to encourage a positive attitude, to enhance concentration, to overcome one's fears, to increase ease of communication, to balance the emotions, to diminish symptoms from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to help eye problems, to help with blood circulation, to relieve menstrual or digestive problems, and to balance the thyroid.



EMERALD: (Also known as Green Beryl) Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for bringing peace and calming, for inspiration, to bring loyalty to a relationship or to attract a loyal partner, to encourage friendship, to enhance love, to balance the mind, body, and spirit, to transform negative energy into positive energy, to enhance psychic powers, for protection, to enhance memory, to aid in positive expression of the self, to stimulate group cooperation, to treat infection, to heal the eyes, to lessen to symptoms of diabetes, and to aid in joint pain caused by arthritis.



FLUORITE, RAINBOW: (Also known as Rainbow Fluor Spar) Use at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for protection, to block electromagnetic pollution, to reduce stress, to transform negative energy into positive energy, for maintaining balance in the physical body, to strengthen the intuition, to improve concentration, to promote confidence in oneself, to improve coordination, to dispel mental illness, to show the truth in any situation, to aid in objectivity and fair judgment, to balance the emotional body, to relieve symptoms of infection, to protect against viruses, to stimulate stiff joints, to relieve arthritis pain, to help heal injuries of the spine, to diminish pain related to the nervous system, to heal blemishes and other skin problems, to encourage accurate psychic readings, and to treat unhealthy bone marrow.



GOLDSTONE: (Also known as Monk's Gold, Monkstone, Stelleria, Avventurina, and Aventurine Glass) Goldstone is a type of synthetic, or man-made, glass which is made with copper. The copper forms tiny crystalline clusters within the glass. The most common form of goldstone is reddish-brown, although, in fact, the color is produced by the copper crystals and the glass itself is actually colorless. Some goldstone varieties use colored glass, usually blue or violet, and more rarely green. Goldstone's alternate name, "Stellaria", is based on Goldstone's starry, night-sky-like appearance. The original Italian name for goldstone is "avventurina" indicating its accidental discovery. Hence, another alternate name for Goldstone is "aventurine glass." Although synthetic stones do not possess an energetic field, because of its copper content, Goldstone can be used at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) or at the 2nd Chakra (Sacral Chakra/Spleenic Chakra). COPPER: Use at the 1st and 2nd Chakras for aiding in motivation, to increase self-love, to encourage an optimistic attitude, for an increase in confidence, to overcome negative thought patterns and conditioning, to create balance between the physical and ethereal bodies, to stimulate telepathy, for good luck, for grounding, to amplify energy and intention, to maintain proper circulation, to relieve infection, and to treat arthritis pain.



HEMATITE: Use at the 1st Chakra (Base Chakra/Root Chakra) for grounding, to balance the mind, body, and spirit, for astral travel and shamanic journeying, to transform negative energy into positive energy, to bring peace and calming, to encourage confidence, to aid in removing addictions, to aid in acceptance of one's life, to increase concentration, to stimulate memory, to encourage creativity, to aid in studying, to maintain proper blood circulation, to help the body assimilate iron, to relieve insomnia, and to reduce fever.



JADE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for gaining wisdom and insight through meditation, to bring love and compassion, for protection, to bring mind, body, and spirit into balance, to bring luck, to stimulate new friendships, to encourage independence, to stimulate creativity, to bring intuitive dreams, to bring peace and calming, to cleanse the physical body, to increase fertility, to aid in successful child birth, and to bring balance to the systems of the physical body.



JASPER, FANCY: (Also known as Rainbow Jasper) Use at the lower chakras; 1st Chakra (Root/Base Chakra), 2nd Chakra (Sacral/Spleenic Chakra), 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra); 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for encouraging peace and calming, promoting group cooperation, to aid in grounding, to assist with shamanic journeying and dreaming exercises, for balance in the mind, body, and spirit, to promote emotional strength, to activate creativity, to aid in circulation of the blood, and to increase positive thinking.



JASPER, LEOPARD SKIN: (Also known as Leopard Skin Rhyolite) Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) or 2nd Chakra (Sacral Chakra/Spleenic Chakra) for manifesting healing energies, to increase energy in the etheric body, to maintain proper health in the systems of the body, to increase one's personal strengths, to bring balance to mind, body, and sprit, to banish negative energies, to aid in the assimilation of nutrients, to bring peace and calming, to encourage a helping hand both to and from others, to stimulate shamanic journeying and astral travel, for protection, to cleanse the etheric body, to banish electromagnetic pollution, to facilitate accurate pendulum dowsing sessions, to bring will power, to stimulate courage, to increase organization of one's environment, to bring support during times of illness, and to stimulate cognition.



JASPER, RED: Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) for grounding, to encourage justice, to stimulate intuitive insight to one's problems and life challenges, to aid in remembering one's dreams, to aid in the process of reincarnation-providing a more favorable rebirth, to aid in asserting one's personal boundaries, to detoxify the blood, to regulate circulation, to bring peace and calming, to encourage a helping hand both to and from others, to stimulate shamanic journeying and astral travel, for protection, to cleanse the etheric body, to banish electromagnetic pollution, to facilitate accurate pendulum dowsing sessions, to bring will power, to stimulate courage, to increase organization of one's environment, to bring support during times of illness, and to stimulate cognition.



LABRADORITE: (Also known as Spectrolite) Use at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for protection, to dispel negative energies, to form personal boundaries, to facilitate past life ascension or regression, to facilitate astral travel, to aid in accessing the akashic records & other esoteric knowledge, for balancing the physical body with the etheric body, to increase conscious awareness, to facilitate intuition and psychic powers, to dispel fears, to increase faith, to strengthen trust, to stimulate the imagination and creativity, to remove illusion, to reveal the truth in any situation, to bring companionship, to remove stress, to treat symptoms of the common cold, to relieve arthritis pain, to regulate hormones, and to lower blood pressure.



LAPIS LAZULI: Use at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) or at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) for facilitating spiritual enlightenment, aiding in dreaming practices, encouraging psychic power and intuition, to stimulate spiritual & shamanic journeying and astral travel, to remove stress, to bring peace and calming, for protection, to access one's spirit guides such as totem animals and guardian angels, to banish negative energy, to aid in speaking one's truth, to bring balance to the mind, body, and spirit, to dispel depression, to facilitate communication, to encourages virtuous behavior, to stimulate compassion, to increase creativity, to remove headache pain, to balance the thyroid gland, to relieve insomnia, and to boost the immune system.



MALACHITE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for amplifying energy and intention, for grounding, for protection, to block electromagnetic pollution, for earth healing, to connect one with nature, for spiritual guidance, to aid in visualization practices, to activate psychic powers, to encourage unconditional love, for scrying divination practices, for facilitating astral travel, to access intuitive messages from the subconscious mind, to encourage positive changes in one's life, to reveal obstacles on one's spiritual path, to remove negative thought patterns and conditioning, to facilitate the expression of one's emotions, to increase confidence, to encourage compassion, to enhance concentration, to heal the emotional body, to aid in exploring the inner self, to help ensure successful child birth, to treat asthma, to relieve arthritis pain, to lower blood pressure, to relieve vertigo, to strengthen the immune system, and to remove toxins from the body.



MOONSTONE: Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for increasing insight and intuition, to bring chaos in to order, for peace and calming, to encourage compassion, to facilitate lucid dreaming, for ceremonies and rituals pertaining to the full moon, to promote psychic powers, to increase feminine energy, to encourage one's nurturing qualities, to reduce stress, to balance the emotional body, to facilitate healing of the emotional body, to heal the female reproductive organs, to stimulate the pineal gland, to calm restless children, to aid in the assimilation of nutrients, for detoxification of the physical body, to aid in conception, to relieve insomnia, and to prevent walking in one's sleep.



OBSIDIAN, BLACK: Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) for protection, to reveal the truth in any situation, to expose areas of oneself that need growth and development, to facilitate past life ascension and regression, to block negative energies from entering one's auric field, for grounding, to shield one from electromagnetic pollution, to banish negative energy, to bring peace and calming, to encourage living in a virtuous manner, to encourage personal growth, to increase courage, to facilitate compassion, to reduce arthritis pain, to detoxify the physical body, to maintain proper circulation, for use in scrying divination, to balance the mind, body, and spirit, to aid in acceptance of one's weaknesses and to begin to heal and correct them, to address issues of control and power struggles, for use in shamanic ceremonies and rituals, and to remove negative thought patterns and conditioning.



OBSIDIAN, SNOWFLAKE: Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) for protection, to reveal the truth in any situation, to expose areas of oneself that need growth and development, to facilitate past life ascension and regression, to block negative energies from entering one's auric field, for grounding, to shield one from electromagnetic pollution, to banish negative energy, to bring peace and calming, to encourage living in a virtuous manner, to encourage personal growth, to increase courage, to facilitate compassion, to reduce arthritis pain, to detoxify the physical body, to maintain proper circulation, to balance mind, body, and spirit, to encourage independence, and to improve circulation.



PYRITE: Use at the 3rd (Solar Plexus Chakra) for an increase in vitality, to conquer vices, to build confidence, for protection, to block electromagnetic pollution, to ward off infection, to aid in business endeavors, to promote group cooperation, to remove worries, to balance the conscious and unconscious minds, to banish depression, to increase vitality, to balance the ethereal body, for grounding, to encourage creativity, to aid in focus and concentration, to help manifest abundance and prosperity, and to treat infertility.



QUARTZ, CLEAR: Quartz crystals can be used at any chakra and are by far the most powerful and energizing crystals of all. Quartz is a powerful healer and cleanser of the physical and ethereal body. Quartz crystals amplify our own energies and intentions and thus are ideal for any kind of spiritual work.



QUARTZ, ROSE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for promoting unconditional love, peace, and compassion, to inspire self-love, for calming after traumatic events, to add spark to a romance, to ease mid-life crisis, to soothe a broken heart, to ease the grieving process, to promote forgiveness, trust, and understanding, to help with healing lungs, to increase fertility, and to treat a poor complexion.



QUARTZ, RUTILATED: (Also known as Venus Hair Quartz or Angel Hair Quartz) Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for increasing vitality, to facilitate the transfer of vibrational healing energies, to balance body, mind, and spirit, to cleanse the aura, to facilitate astral travel, scrying divination, and channeling sessions, to remove barriers interfering with spiritual growth, for protection from negative energy vibrations, to aid in past life ascension and regression, to aid in acceptance of the soul's current life purpose and lessons, to facilitate positive change, to encourage forgiveness and compassion, to remove depression, to heal and repair the aura, to increase fertility, to restore energy to the physical body, to balance the thyroid, and to promote proper posture.



QUARTZ, SMOKY: Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) for grounding, protection from negative energy, to increase energy during meditation, to encourage environmental concern & ecological consciousness, to relieve stress and promote peace and calming, to block electromagnetic pollution, to aid in detoxifying the physical body, to remove fear, to enhance passion, to dispel bad dreams, to use in scrying divination to promote insight, to stimulate concentration, to promote communication, to aid in stilling the mind for successful meditation, for use with people undergoing chemotherapy, to relieve physical pain, to treat problems associated with the lower half of the physical body, to remove headache pain, and to aid in the assimilation of vitamins and minerals.



QUARTZ, TOURMALINATED: (Also known as Tourmaline Quartz and Tourmalated Quartz) Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) or at the 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra) for grounding, to protect one against negative energies, to release stress and promote peace and calming, to balance mind, body, and spirit, to aid in self-acceptance, and to balance the energies of the subtle body. This stone will also take on the properties of the type of Tourmaline that it includes (i.e. Black, Green, etc.).



RHODONITE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for encouraging love, to promote group cooperation, to reveal all aspects of a given situation, for grounding, to balance the mind, body, and spirit, to encourage successful meditation using mantras, to heal the physical body as well as the emotions, to facilitate independence, to encourage compassion and forgiveness, to aid in healing form past life experiences, to bring peace and calming, to enhance confidence, to heal wounds and insect bites, to reduce arthritis pain, and to ease the symptoms of shock.



RUBY IN ZOISITE: (Also known as Anyolite) Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for increasing vitality, to stimulate passion, for increasing motivation, to protect one against negative energies, to stimulate positive dreaming, to encourage accurate visions created by the pineal gland, to help transform negative energy into positive energy, to encourage one's leadership qualities, to instill courage, to increase physical and emotional strength, for detoxifying the body, to reduce fever, to maintain proper circulation, to stimulate altered states of consciousness, to access the soul's past and aid in past life ascension and regression, to encourage one's unique characteristics, to promote oneness, and to enhance one's auric field.



SERPENTINE: (Also known as Infinite) Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) for aiding in meditation, to enhance psychic powers, to clear a pathway for the kundalini, to aid in past life regression and ascension, to create balance between the mind, body, and spirit, to aid in intending to direct energy to heal the physical body, to cleanse the physical body, to aid in the assimilation of nutrients, to aid in connection with the angelic realm, to promote compassion, and to relieve muscle pain.



SODALITE: Use at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) or at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) for increasing accurate intuitive thoughts, to encourage successful stilling of the mind during meditation, to bring out the truth in any situation, to help one to stand up for oneself, for protection from electromagnetic pollution, to enhance group cooperation, to aid in speaking one's truth, to banish habits and negative thinking patterns, to aid in absorbing new information, to remove fear, to banish guilt, to encourage confidence, to encourage a healthy metabolism, to remove insomnia, and to reduce fevers.



TIGER'S EYE, BLUE: (Also known as Hawk's Eye) Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra), the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra), or at the 6th Chakra (3rd Eye Chakra/Brow Chakra) for grounding, to increase psychic powers, to encourage the rising of the kundalini through the chakras, for protection, to stimulate compassion, to aid one in sorting through details and to aid in completing tedious tasks, to aid in removing negative habits, to banish depression, to heal the eyes, to treat disorders of the reproductive system, to aid in healing broken bones, for peace and calming, and to banish fears of all kinds.



TIGER'S EYE, GOLDEN: Use at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) for grounding, to increase psychic powers, to encourage the rising of the kundalini through the chakras, for protection, to stimulate compassion, to aid one in sorting through details and to aid in completing tedious tasks, to aid in removing negative habits, to banish depression, to heal the eyes, to treat disorders of the reproductive system, to aid in healing broken bones, to help one succeed on tests and exams, and to encourage success in business meetings.



TIGER'S EYE, RED: (Also known as Falcon's Eye and Ox Eye) Use at the 1st Chakra (Root Chakra/Base Chakra) or at the 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra) for grounding, to increase psychic powers, to encourage the rising of the kundalini through the chakras, for protection, to stimulate compassion, to aid one in sorting through details and to aid in completing tedious tasks, to aid in removing negative habits, to banish depression, to heal the eyes, to treat disorders of the reproductive system, to aid in healing broken bones, to increase vitality, and to encourage motivation.



TOURMALINE, BLACK: (Also known as Schorl or Aphrizite) Use at the 1st Chakra (Root/Base Chakra) for protection against electromagnetic pollution and negative energy, grounding, increased physical energy, to banish negative thoughts, to enhance positive thinking and creativity, to strengthen the immune system, and to aid in decreasing arthritis pain.



TURQUOISE: Use at the 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra) or at the 5th Chakra (Throat Chakra) for enhancing communication with other realms, to enhance self expression and communication, to help one to live in the moment, to remove negativity from oneself and one's environment, to enhance self confidence, to help one to remain on the path for his or her highest good, to boost the immune system, to aid in healing ailments of the eyes, to reduce acidity in the body and aid in detoxification, and to reduce inflammation.



Once one has selected one's crystals, he or she should cleanse them. This should be done before using them. There are a variety of ways one can clear a crystal. One way to cleanse a crystal is by soaking it in a solution of sea salt and distilled water (lavender oil is also often added to the solution due to its purification properties). Another method involves holding the stone under running water or in a stream to be purified. Yet another method to cleanse a stone is by smudging it. To smudge a stone, one must pass the stone through the smoke of an herb or incense (white sage, juniper, palo santo, sweetgrass, cedar, and sandalwood are all commonly used smudging herbs). Also, one may choose to bury a stone in the soil of the earth for a length of time in order to cleanse it. The clearing process should be carried out until one intuitively feels that the stone has been cleansed, or by feeling the stone's energy. One should then charge the crystal in sunlight or moonlight (preferably that of a full or a new moon) for at least one full day or night.



To awaken the elemental (the spirit or deva within the crystal) of a crystal, one should dedicate the crystal with love and light for the good of all beings in the universe. Then, one should graciously receive the magnificent gift of energy given off by the crystal.



To dedicate a crystal, one must first clearly determine the purpose or intention of his or her program or dedication with love and light for the good of all beings. Then, one should place the crystal at the 6th chakra/3rd eye chakra/Brow chakra or hold it in one's hands. Next, he or she should vividly imagine the positive and successful outcome of the intention/program/dedication (using sensory cues & vivid imagery). One should visualize the result of the program in as much detail as possible. This information should be transmitted into the crystalline structure via thought intention to be stored and recorded there for the good of all beings. The program should be repeated whenever one intuitively feels that it is again necessary (and as often as he or she likes).



Certified Crystal Healer Ashley Dalke (630) 254-4685 crystalhealer1@gmail.com http://www.freewebs.com/crystalhealer1



Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com
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Wednesday 27 April 2011

Chanting


Chant is one of the simplest and most sublime ways we as humans have of singing praises to the universe. We have done it the shower, in the car on the way to work, even while making dinner or taking care of household chores. The most obvious benefit of raising our voices in song is that it helps quiet the mind, still the heart and transcend the chaos of the mundane activities most of us endure day after day!


Chanting is a commonly used practice within many religious gatherings. A miriad of traditions embrace chant as one route to spiritual enlightenment. Chants can be both cultural and religious in nature, with many coming from various African and Native American cultures; while Gregorian chant and the chanting of psalms are more prevalent in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican churches. Vedic chant, Jewish chazzanut, Qur’an reading, Baha’i & Buddhist chants, mantras, Tibetan Buddhist chant involves throat singing, where multiple pitches are produced by each performer. The concept of chanting mantras is of particular significance in many Hindu traditions and other closely related Dharmic Religions.



The repetitive intonement of chanting reverberates deep within our collective being. It washes away the noise in our heads, replacing it with music that resonates from the deepest recesses of our humanity. The cadence pulsates in ways that quiet the fast paced energy created by work and play, replacing it with harmony and inner peace.



The practice of chanting becomes an instrument in the process of spiritually connecting our psyche’s desire to deepen it’s relationship to other enlightened members of the human race. This goal is not concerned with attaining perfection or status, but is instead about embracing the journey and following all things that lead us closer to the stillness that lies within. The quieter the mind, body and spirit, the more aware we become of our true place in the mystical dance of life.



Take some time to sing a song just for the sake of singing. Find a quiet place to let go and allow your voice to soar, for in the soaring you will find a sense of peace you will never wish to relinquish.

Here are some of my favorite mantra's
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This one took me a few weeks to memorize. After that I would chant it in the car on the way to work.
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Typically chants are supposed to be done 108 times. Mandalas  ( a strand of 108 beads) are used to keep count, so you don't get distracted

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Tuesday 26 April 2011

Shamanic Drumming

Shamanic Drumming – Prayer of the Soul


Indigenous cultures (Native Americans) have been practicing drumming rituals for thousands of years. People all over the world are taking up drumming in astounding numbers. At a grass roots level, some drum circles simply jam and make a lot of rhythmic noise, others however prefer to explore the prayerful ritual of shamanic drumming.



Shamanic drumming is a time-honored ritual utilized to heal and nurture the soul. Shamanic drum circles provide like minded people an opportunity to unite for the attainment of a shared objective. There is power in drumming alone, but that power is elevated and multiplies on many levels when celebrated in a group. The drums draw individual energies together, unifying them into a consolidated force. Synchronized drumming is the most effective, so individuals should alternate the responsibility of setting the tempo and leading the group. Most circles have found the following formula useful in setting both the intention and establishment of a circle.



Formation of a Circle



Simply join together, forming a true circle. The creation of a circle, creates an energy pattern that helps contain, focus, and amplify the power generated by the drums themselves.



Cleanse the Space



To begin, smudge the space and all participants in preparation for the spiritual or inner work to come. The sacred aromas dispel any stagnant or unwanted energy and opens the chakras. Sage, cedar, or sweet grass are traditionally used for smudging, but any dried herb will suffice. Ignite the smudging agent in a fire-resistant receptacle, blowing out the flames. Use a feather or your hands to draw the smoke over your heart, throat, and face to purify the body, mind, and spirit. Next, smudge your drum by passing it through the smoke. Have the drummers smudge themselves and their drums by passing the smudge bowl clockwise around the circle. Conclude the smudging by blessing the smudge pot.



Call to the Directions



At this point, you may wish to invoke the powers of the Four Directions (Wind-North/Fire-East/Water-South/Earth/West). This is an ancient shamanic rite practiced cross-culturally to access and honor the powers of creation. A facilitator can lead the group in this process. Have everyone stand and face the corners together. Rotate clockwise, facing East first, then South, West, and finally North, inviting each Direction to participate and assist in the ceremony. If you wish, you can include Father Sky above and Mother Earth below as the Fifth and Sixth Directions.



Form Your Intent



Having invoked the Four Directions, it is important to form the group’s collective intention – what you desire or expect to accomplish that evening. Intent is in essence the why of the circle. In establishing an intention, the group opens itself to a myriad of possibilities; in sight, sound and spirit.



Prayer Round



The next step is to commence the first or prayer round of drumming. All participants should focus their attention on the group intention during this round of drumming. It is the responsibility of the facilitator to set the tempo. A steady, metronome-like pattern with precise intervals at around three beats per second is the most effective. This rapid “Eagle Beat” creates the sensation of inner movement, which if you allow it, will carry you along with it. It is projective in nature and carries your intention, prayers, and awareness into the spirit world that underlies and sustains our physical reality.



Finding Unison



The time-frame for this varies from ceremony to ceremony. It is best to trust your intuition in this process. When leading a group, move the beater around the drum head until you find the sweet spot and the drum begins to sing and hum. Eventually, you will hear the sound of the drum moving around the circle, while resonating through the other drums. At this point all begin to sing in unison. The experience is indescribable. It is here that you will swear that you hear voices chanting and the sounds of different animals. You sense a connectedness to the spirit world. Try to hold this energy for as long as possible. This phase usually reaches a crescendo and eventually wanes, with the drums again sounding out individually. This is usually the point where the facilitator signals the end of the first round with four thundering beats.



Healing Round



Once the group intention has been introduced, commence the second or healing round by drumming the pulsating lub-dub, lub-dub of a heartbeat rhythm. Stroke a steady heartbeat rhythm at around two beats per second. The magnetic pulse of this rhythm draws power from the spirit world into the circle itself. Each participant must surrender all attachment and clear themselves of any emotional obstructions if success is to be achieved. It is best to close your eyes and focus on the sound of the drums. Let the drums do the healing. The drums will shape the present energy into a powerful vortex that will spiral out into the fibers of Mother Earth’s web. When the power reaches an ebb, signal the end of the healing round with four booming beats.



Giving Thanks



Commence the final or thank you round of drumming with the even cadence of the eagle-beat. Sustain a tempo of three beats per second for one to five minutes. Participants should give thanks for all prayers answered and receipt of the intention by the spirit world.



Closing the Circle



Finally, signal the end of the drumming with four resounding beats. It is important to conclude the drumming circle by rotating counterclockwise, thanking each of the Directions for their participation and assistance. This counterclockwise movement will close the energy vortex and signal that the sacred time of focus has ended.



Many have found this basic formula to be very effective in a myriad of environments and situations. Feel free however to adapt them to serve your own needs. Rhythm is a very personal thing. Experiment with different tempos and rhythms. Spirit will guide the way, I assure you!



To learn more, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_circle

Drumming Mp3: http://www.shamanismcanada.com/drumming.html

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Monday 25 April 2011

Drumming for Wellness


Drumming for Wellness

By Jennifer Peters and Jim Kinney


“We seldom hear the inner music, but we’re all dancing to it nevertheless.”

-Rumi


We are deeply rhythmical beings, from our heart beat to brain waves to circadian (sleep/wake) rhythms, to metabolism, to cellular activity. These connect us with earthly and cosmic cycles – the tides, the moon phases, changing seasons, and movement of the stars. Wherever there is life, we find rhythms. So it is natural that rhythm appeals directly to our soul and our emotional life.

Reinhard Flatischler, author of The Forgotten Power of Rhythm, says, “Every disease is a failure of rhythm, in one form or another.” With the stresses of everyday living, it is easy to lose touch with the natural rhythms of our bodies, become imbalanced, and fall into dis-ease. How can we re-establish this connection with our natural selves?

Scientific research into resonating systems and entrainment has shown that our internal rhythms such as heart beat and brainwaves may synchronize to external pulses, such as drumming. Drumming has been shown to alter brainwaves, inducing alpha waves –associated with relaxation, and theta waves — associated with intuitive or pre-conscious dynamics, nonlinear creativity and enhanced learning.

Indigenous cultures use drumming as a way to enter the realm of the sacred through altering the state of consciousness. Drummers experience a rush of energy from the vibrations, with physical stimulation producing emotional release. These response can cause changes in mood, arousal, and attention. Further, clinical research has demonstrated improved immunological parameters induced through drumming.

Drumming for wellness can be done solo or in a group. The easiest type of drum to use is a Native American hoop drum, played with a beater or hand. A drumming meditation, played with eyes closed, can painlessly “empty the mind”, while creating brain wave patterns that can synchronize higher and lower brain functions, and balance left and right brain hemispheres.

Shamanic drumming uses a single, repetitive rhythm played at a tempo of three to four beats per second to induce a trance state. Although sounding quite basic, the many tones, pitches, and harmonics of the drum creates a soundscape which interacts with the natural world. This connection supports the shaman on his or her healing journey.

Feeling the resonance of the beat off the drum contributes to altering the state of consciousness. Indigenous people believe that the spirit of the animal that gave its skin to the drum, and the tree that contributed the wood, live on through the drum. Drums are considered sacred instruments, that connect the player with deeper rhythms of nature and life.


The African djembe, featured in the movie, “The Visitor,” offers a wider range of expression for the hand drummer than the hoop drum. The low beats or bass beats are deeply grounding, the mid-range or tone beats resonate with the heart, and the high or slap beats activate higher chakras.

A good exercise for drumming to reduce stress is to begin with a simple repetitive beat, and then allow the rhythm to change in a way that expresses one’s feelings. The physical act of “playing feelings” can release repressed emotions and help the drummer to become centered and balanced.

Drumming with others in a drum circle offers additional benefits of interpersonal connection and support. Robert Friedman, a psychologist who promotes drumming as therapy, describes this as, “Everyone is speaking, everyone is heard, and each person’s sound is an essential part of the whole.”

In The Healing Power of the Drum, Friedman suggests creating a family drum circle, where each person can take turns expressing their feelings through the drum. Another exercise is to have one person play a beat, which is then repeated by the other members of the circle. Everyone takes a turn being the leader. This call-and-response activity reduces tensions and creates a form of active listening and supportive communication.

In our experience, many people come to a drum circle with fears and doubts about their abilities to drum. Inevitably, these individuals are successful within the circle, and they leave with a great sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. Drummers often comment on how participating in the drum circle shifted them from feelings of anger, frustration or resignation to a sense of being relaxed and at peace.


Drum circles can play specific rhythms, such as the 5-element drumming of the West African Dagara Tribe, or play what we call, “creative drumming.” Creative drumming starts with a simple heartbeat rhythm. From that, each person improvises until they find their own beat. The first one or two minutes descends into chaos, out of which a group rhythm emerges. The ultimate result is a tremendous feeling of co-creation and unity.

Fundamentally, drumming is upbeat and fun. It stimulates pleasurable feelings, making people feel good without drugs. In fact, drumming produces a “natural high” that has been found effective as a complementary treatment in addiction therapy. Other therapists have found that drumming offers benefits to Alzheimer’s patients, autistic children, emotionally-disturbed teens, and trauma (PTSD) patients. Certain corporations use drumming for team building and in stress-reduction programs.


Drumming is an ancient, universal approach to healing. In drumming for wellness, the ultimate point is to let go of the analytical mind, allowing the rhythm to sink below the surface of our being. There, the beat can be experienced and integrated by the body and the deepest layers of our consciousness. The rhythm of the drum becomes our rhythm, aligning our mind, body and spirit, and bringing us back into balance with life.



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Sunday 24 April 2011

The Vision Quest



Throughout indigenous North America, the vision quest is among the most sacred of rituals. Although used primarily by healers and practitioners of native religions, it not exclusively reserved for them. Coming in the form of dreams, visions have affected the course of native social and political development throughout history. Among the Lakota Sioux, dreams and their inherent meaning are explained by a Shaman or Spirit Guide. The Lakota have a specific term for dreams and the meaning behind those dreams—Ihan’bla. This is a general term for the study and interpretation of the images presented to an individual during a vision quest. Visions are seen as a means through which the supernatural world may contact and advise the natural world.


Called Hanblecheyapi, the vision quest stands out as one of the primary rites of passage among members of the Lakota community. The purpose of a vision quest is for the seeker to receive guidance from the spirit world. Depending on the dream and the images presented within it, the seeker is guided to make important life choices. In many cases, the person experiencing a vision will receive guidance from their particular animal spirit. However, relatives and friends, as well as cultural figures from Lakota mythology, may also appear. As with all aspects of indigenous rituals, the vision quest is highly formalized.


The seeker must first perform the Hanble’ceya, a fasting ritual that is shrouded in mystery. According to Lakota mythology, the Hanble’ceya was introduced by the spirit Whope’(also known as Falling Star), the daughter of a spirit called Sky. Appearing before the village council, she instructed the tribe on the proper rituals to learn in order that they may serve a higher purpose. As a vision quest is a means through which one can gain enlightenment, the fasting ritual has become an essential aspect of the journey. After having completed the Hanble’ceya, the participant in the vision quest must then embark on a journey into the wilderness.


Taking only a personal medicine bag, the individual must find a quiet place in the midst of natures expansive grandeur. Since no specific place is outlined in the ritual itself, the location of this particular place is up to the seeker. In most cases, the selected site has a personal or spiritual significance to the seeker. Once the seeker has selected the location, he or she must then begin the meditation. Sitting in quiet reflection for up to four days, theseeker is called to look deep into his or her soul. This self reflection amidst the peace and solitude provided by the wilderness can also have an adverse effect on the seekers psyche. In some cases, slight bouts of madness have accompanied a vision quest.


It is at this stage when the actual vision occurs. After having fasted and remained alone in quite reflection, the seekert in the vision quest sees a series of images that at first can be confusing. In order to fully understand the dreams and what they portend the participant must return to his or her village and seek counsel from an honored elder who truly understands dreams. It is the individual’s reaction to the dreams and what they may portend that determines his or her future success. The vision quest remains among the most enduring symbols of Lakota spirituality. It is not uncommon for modern day Lakota to embark on a vision quest in order to gain a clear perspective on important life choices.



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Saturday 23 April 2011

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation




Mindfulness is not a thought process, interpretation, or evaluation. It is instead, an open-minded state which does not anticipate the future or embrace the past. Anything can be done using mindfulness. A phone conversation, driving, or even studying can be integrated into the practice of mindfulness.



At intervals throughout the day, reflectively pause and allow yourself to seek an awareness of where you are, what you are doing, and how you are feeling. Do this in such a way that it doesn’t force you to discern your experience. For example, if you notice you are anxious, don’t think “Oh, I’m anxious, that’s foolish of me…” Simply record that you are feeling anxious without evaluating whether the emotion or feeling is good or bad. Just notice that the anxiety is present.



When mindfulness is utilized as your primary mode of meditation,it will allow a deeper awareness of those things we take for granted, such as the rhythm of our breath or the pace of a walk. Allow your mind to expand so that it includes both the physical and mental processes of the day.





A common misconception of meditators is that they have the ability to stop all thought and rest the mind as if it were a blank slate. A common complaint of novice meditators is that they have a difficult time finding quiet within because they cannot prevent thoughts from infiltrating their mind. In reality, having thoughts is perfectly normal. In fact, it’s what’s supposed to happen.



Dealing with thoughts is how mindfulness meditation works. When you notice that you are distracted by a thought, use mindfulness to gently bring your focus back to the object of your process. In doing so, you slowly become able to control your mind and increase your powers of concentration.



There are many forms of meditation – and many distinct methods of practice! The most productive way to learn meditation is to find a local teacher (guru) or group to work with. Yoga centers, athletic clubs, senior centers and houses of worship offer some type of instruction. You may also wish to ask your health care professional. Be patient, a good instructor is worth the time and energy involved in the search.



Instructions for Mindfulness Meditation Practice

Begin by sitting in a chair or on a meditation cushion with your back straight. Relax your sitting posture with a few deep breaths. Allow the body and mind to become totally relaxed while still remaining alert and attentive to the present. Feel areas of your body that are tense and areas that seem relaxed. Allow the body follow its own natural flow. Do not try to force or fix anything. Let your mind be still and quiet, while simultaneously allowing a spacial awareness to wash gently over you.



Simply feel the sensation of sitting, bypassing the minds desire to interpret, define or think about what sitting looks like. Allow such thoughts to come and go without being vexed by them, and simply tune your thoughts to the simple sensation of sitting. Feel your body with a consciousness that arises from within not from your head. Awareness of the body anchors your attention to the present moment. Gently motion this awareness throughout your body, feeling sensations without an agenda or goal. Allow a sense of total awareness by just staying mindful of these sensations.



After some time, allow your awareness to expand into the realm of sound. This awareness of sound will create an openness, spaciousness, and receptivity in the mind. Be aware of both sound reverberations as well as the space or silence between the sounds. As with body sensations, move your awareness away from the definition of the sound, and simply allow the sound to be what it is.



After several minutes both body sensations and internal and external sounds, to help focus your attention on the breathing process. Locate the space where the breath is most clear and allow your yourself to gently rest there. For some it is the sensation of the rising and falling of the abdomen. For others it may be the sensations experienced through the nostrils while inhalating or exhalating. Feel the full breath cycle from beginning to the end. The awareness you experience will create a deepening ability to listen and be more attentive to the actual texture, shape, and form of each sensation.



Let go of everything, or at least allow it to fall into the background. Allow each breath to breathe unto itself. Rest into a space of total relaxation with the sensation of each passing breath. As soon as you notice the mind wandering off, be cognizant of it with a non-intrusive awareness, gently allowing it to be your anchor. Just allow yourself to feel !



As you bring the exercise to a close, do not anticipate or pounce on the thought of being finished, but instead allow your self back into the present, reflecting back to what was or reflecting on what just happened, keeping your focus totally in the present moment. Stay focused on your breathing, one breath at a time. Mindfulness of breath begins to collect and concentrate the mind so that the distraction of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and sounds soon become objects of awareness themselves. Insight is gained into the true nature of the body and mind.



As your ability to concentrate grows, mindfulness opens you to the entire mind /body experience via the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and the mental/emotive). Seeing things simply as they are begins to untangle the web of attachment, fear, and confusion that grips us on our daily journey. Through Mindfulness, one is able to live more freely from a place of joy, compassion, equanimity and wisdom.



( I love this meditation chair, you can buy it here)


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Friday 22 April 2011

What if.....

What if you had to cut down every tree you need to build your house...
Would you build a 3000 SQ FT house plus a bonus and great room?

What if you had to carry all the water you needed in buckets...
Would you take a 30 minute shower?

What if you had to grow all your own food, every single morsel....
Would you throw any of it out?

What if you had to dig for every single drop of oil then refine it....
Would you drive 100 feet to the store 10 times a day?

What if you had to sew everything you wore....
Would you still need all the clothes you have?

What if an animal had to give up it's life...
And what if you had to kill that animal....

Would you still need 20 pairs of shoes and handbags to match?
Would you only eat the choice cuts of meat?

What if we all consumed as if we had to procure and manufacture everything we need ourselves?
Would you consume, use and throw out less?

I don't want to go back in time. I believe in progress but....not at the expense of my fellow humans, future humans and the planet.

Every time you get in your car or buy something or throw something out think about it. Can you do without it? Can you recycle it? Can you make it yourself?
 
*This was a post by Margaret at the blog Thistle Garden. It rang so true for me, I wanted to have these words on my blog to remind me each time I consume something to think about the sacrifices made on my behalf and the footprint I will be leaving behind.





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Thursday 21 April 2011

The Plastic Diet

 I love the ocean, it is one of my favorite environments to be around. Unfortunately it is turning into plastic soup. There are huge natural vortexes twice the size of Texas in the ocean. These currents carry thousands of tons of trash, mostly plastics and concentrate them in these vortexes. The plastic never breaks down. Even if it does to some degree, in microscopic amounts it is still lethal and a source of  BPA. Small sea life eat these bits, then they get eaten etc, until one day it ends up on our plate for dinner. Birds are dying of starvation only to be found with a stomach full of plastic caps and lighters.

                           There are five huge floating rubbish patches like this in the worlds oceans!
I went on a holiday to Bali about 7 years ago. Bali is incredibly beautiful, just the kind of island you would want to be shipwrecked on......except for the beaches. Everyone buys bottled water there because of health concerns over water quality but no one is recycling all those bottles. They just toss them aside when they are done and the beaches are littered with them. It's so sad that the very thing that draws the tourists there is not being looked after and protected. Plastic wraps and containers that are used for a few minutes will still be around thousands of years from now. That just horrifies me.

                                                           A Plastic Beach

A Plastic Ocean
A cruel reminder of the harmful effects of plastic


Today I was directed to a blog that is one woman's story about how she was going to try and avoid purchasing or using any plastic products for a year. I have to admit, I try fairly hard to be conscious about my footprint on this planet, but by the same token, I am nowhere close to really ,truly making an effort. I have bought about 30 of those reusable bags, yet 90 percent of the time I forget them in the car. I am frustrated by all the unnecessary packaging that seems to enclose every single thing we buy, but it never stopped me from buying things. I don't know how our ancestors managed their lives without plastic everything but it must have been possible.

After reading her blog, I went shopping later in the day. I went into the local dollar store to look for a few items and for the first time, I looked at the shelves with eyes wide open. I was dumbfounded. The whole entire store was floor to ceiling plastic. If things weren't made of plastic( and 75 percent of it was) then it was wrapped in plastic or had plastic handles, knobs, feet, etc. The price tags are plastic, the food all comes in plastic or plastic lined tins, has plastic lids or plastic bags within cardboard boxes.

 Every time I reached for something, I asked myself, does this item contain plastic, is it wrapped in plastic, will I need plastic to get it home? Pheww, that was a hard hour of shopping. I put back most of the things I  would have bought without thought the day before. The things I did buy, I carried out in my reusable bag that I finally remembered to bring with me. ( they now live on the passenger seat of the car in a more visible location). I still managed to bring home some plastic ( a few bags of cinnamon hearts and plastic wrapped around some candles and a bag of coloured sand.

I don't know how possible it is to avoid plastic altogether, but I will definitely be much more aware now of what I purchase and how it is packaged. I will make sure to bring my glass bottles with me to refill my water and I will put together a kit of reusable non plastic containers for take- out food. Matches instead of lighters, refillable fountain pens instead of Bic's.

I am going on a plastic diet, care to join me?

What can you do?

 Well take a look around your home and note what is made of plastic. Could that thing have been  purchased made of some other material? Perhaps a metal egg flipper instead of plastic, or a wicker basket instead of plastic. Do some research, find out what things like toothbrushes,combs or razors used to made from and buy them.

Vow to never buy another plastic bottle of anything again. Buy glass or metal drinking containers, fill them yourself and have them in the car, at the office in your lunch box. Try to shop bulk and bring your own containers to refill for detergents,food,spices, and takeout.

Just say no... to plastic bags at the till, plastic straws and cutlery, that little plastic green fence they always give you with sushi. Think twice about dumping your TV, cellphone and any other electronics just because they aren't the latest fad. Think twice about whether you really need them at all. When I was young, only one or two families on a whole block had even one TV. We would all visit them to watch the really special shows. We watched less TV, had more real interactions with people and there was a lot less plastic.

If you can buy the same item without all the packaging, do it. Fresh bread in a brown bag as opposed to chemically filled bread wrapped in plastic. Buy your milk and veggies in glass bottles, your meat fresh,wrapped in wax paper you bring with you. Maybe go that extra step and can your own fruit and veggies. See if you can find a creative use for those plastic seals that need to be changed each time.

You CAN make a difference. Every time you say no to plastic, there will be that much more room for something natural to take it's place. I would rather walk on a sandy beach than one filled with plastic debris. The planet is your home, you are not a visitor here, nobody is going to pick up after you. If you don't think you are consuming much plastic, I want you to keep and store every scrap that you bring into your home/life. I bet you will be choking on it in no time. Sending it somewhere else doesn't make it go away, it's just going somewhere else where it will NEVER go away. If everyone demands plastic free packaging, they will have to comply if they want your business. Today is an excellent day to start.

I would love to hear your ideas on  alternatives to plastic.
I will write another post soon about alternative beauty and cleaning supplies you can make yourself, that are healthy for you and the environment and don't need plastic packaging.


Thanks for caring, please pass the message along


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This post is linked to Cindy's Show and Tell at "My Romantic Home"
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